Obama vs. the other guy, 2008

Compare and Contrast

This trip to the Middle East and (soon) Europe has been a boon for Obama and an unmitigated disaster for McCain. Of course, we’re only three days into the trip and Obama could make a gaffe (blah blah) at some point, but the taunts of the McCain camp that Obama hadn’t been to the Middle East have completely backfired to this point.

On an unrelated note, I’d like to thank the crew here at Strategy08 for welcoming me to the site.

The wheels are completely coming off the McCain campaign. With taunts from their camp regarding Obama not visiting the Middle East completely backfiring, he has resorted to the cheapest of cheap shots.

Standing next to his fellow naval aviator on Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, McCain reminds reporters that Obama is “someone who has no military experience whatsoever.”

This isn’t going to go over well. McCain has repeatedly said in the past that military service does not make one qualified for the presidency.

During an interview with National Journal, John McCain was asked if “military service inherently makes somebody better equipped to be commander-in-chief.” McCain said, “Absolutely not…I absolutely don’t believe that it’s necessary.” [National Journal, 2/15/2003]

– I believe that military service is the most honorable endeavor an American may undertake. But I’ve never believed that lack of military service disqualifies one from occupying positions of political leadership or as Commander and Chief. In America, the people are sovereign, and they decide who is and is not qualified to lead us. [American Legion Speech, 9/7/1999]

– Earlier this year at Washington’s Gridiron Club, where humor is the required fare, McCain lay bare what underlies his candidacy. Wearing a jacket outlandishly festooned with dozens of fake military medals, McCain said, “The question I ask myself every morning while shaving in front of the mirror is: OK, John, you’re an incredible war hero, an inspiration to all Americans. But what qualifies you to be president of the United States?” [Minneapolis Star Tribune, 11/7/1999]

This is a pretty lame attack from McCain, considering his previous statements. It’s obvious that this trip to the Middle East/Europe, which has been an unqualified success for Obama to this point, is tying the McCain camp in knots.

About Strategy ’08

Strategy ’08 is a new blog dedicated to covering issues surrounding the 2008 Presidential Campaign between Barack Obama and John McCain. Authors are long-time bloggers and unabashed Barack Obama supporters dansac, slinkerwink, turneresq, zenbowl, smash artist and gdh1 who often post on DailyKos and elsewhere.